Research

Imitatio’s research agenda is grounded in the view that Mimetic Theory is an epistemology, a knowledge of knowledges. In turn,  we support research that probes the assumptions of Mimetic Theory and confronts the human sciences with the insights of Mimetic Theory.

Current efforts underway include:

Online Epistemological Forum: Jean-Pierre Dupuy, Imitatio Board Member and Director of Research, is facilitating an online forum among scholars to further develop the Mimetic Theory epistemology.

Mimetic Theory and Economics: André Orlean, Director of Research, CNRS, Paris, is writing a monograph challenging the foundation of economics by replacing homo economicus with homo mimeticus.

Mimetic Theory and Quantum Physics: Pablo Bandera, theoretical physicist and aerospace engineer, and Alexei Grinbaum, physicist working on the foundations of quantum theory, are writing a monograph disclosing the presence of the mimetic triangle in the foundation of quantum physics.

"End of War" Project:  Jean-Pierre Dupuy, Professor Emeritus of Social and Political Philosophy, Ecole Polytechnique, Paris and Professor of French and Political Science, Stanford University, and Monique Canto-Sperber, philosopher and director of the École normale supérieure,  are writing a monograph to bridge the gap between the Franco-German language of Rene Girard and Benoit Chantre’s, Achever Clausewitz, and the analytical mode of reasoning of Anglo-American strategic thinking.

Imitatio Fellows:  More broadly, we also support extraordinary thinkers and contributors to Mimetic Theory.  We currently have five Imitatio Fellows whose work is supported with a multi-year grant:

In the near future, Imitatio hopes to set up a conceptual crisis watch, trying to make sense of the global events in light of mimetic theory. It will also strive to develop a critique of the current convergence between evolutionary theory, cognitive anthropology, and cognitive psychology.